"Patience (noun): The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious".

It doesn't matter how the dictionary defines it, or how we decide to define patience, it is clear that patience involves waiting, and not the type that involves anxiety, intolerance or a rush to solve situations by our own means. Patience involves accepting or working with what life throws your way and realising that the process of waiting is just as important as the final outcome. And perhaps it is in the waiting process where we learn to see ourselves for who we truly are - as sinners in need of a Saviour.

But patience isn't just about how we deal with situations, it isn't just about learning to understand who we are, it is also about how we relate to others and the quality of our relationships. Are we willing to see others as we see ourselves, as sinners in need of a Saviour?

I was talking to a friend recently and she remarked: "You know, I used to think I was a really patient person. But then I moved in close to where a relative is living and we began to spend more time together, and now I realise I'm not so patient".

The Bible says in James 1:2-4:
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you mar be complete, lacking nothing".

It's hard to deal with difficult situations, or to have to relate to people who may test our patience. But the Bible is clear that while these experiences are not easy or joyful, we are to count them as positive opportunities for growth, because the result of the testing of our faith will bring the fruit of patience and make us more complete in Christ.

May the trials of this week make you and I patient and reliant upon our Saviour.

God Bless,
Pr Leticia.

This week we wish to thank the leaders in our Sabbath school departments. Adult Sabbath School classes and the Children's Sabbath school classes function so well because of the commitment, organisation and passion of our leaders and teachers within these areas. May God continue to bless your efforts for Him :)

Authenticity often is described as the quality of something or someone being real and genuine. It's not a copy or an imitation, but an original version. 

In my lifetime I've come across some authentic Christians- and what I've noticed is that they're honest and real, not only about their strengths, but their struggles too. They don’t hide behind masks, and while they desire to grow in Christ, they don't pretend to be perfect- they just let themselves be seen for who they are and for whose they are.

In the book of 2 Corinthians the Apostle Paul invites us to live lives that are transparent, genuine and honest. For example, he reminds the believers of Corinth that they are epistles “known and read by all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Then a few chapters later, he invites the believers to follow his lifestyle in Christ, being open as he is open. He also reminds them that in view of the grace they have received they are to live their lives for Christ rather than for their own desires (2 Corinthians 6).

If this is the counsel and example we have, why do we conceal our struggles and fears in church? Why are we less than honest about where we really are in our relationship with God? Is it shame, fear of rejection or criticism? Whatever our reasons may be for a lack of vulnerability, let’s remember that living authentically in Jesus is not about ‘having it all together’. It’s about admitting you don’t, while pointing people to Jesus, the One who will never fail us and can turn our messes into messages, our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into joy.

Let’s strive for an even better church, where we welcome honesty, we embrace authenticity and we are not ashamed to share our struggles as well as our victories. Will you accept the challenge and live authentically for Him?

God bless,
Leticia.